Category: News

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and a host of dignitaries, including former African leaders, state governors, and international envoys, gathered in Daura on Tuesday for the final burial rites of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday at the age of 82 in a London hospital. The late president was laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic customs, shortly after the arrival of his body aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft. The burial took place at his private residence following funeral prayers held at the Daura Central Mosque. President Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu, led the federal government delegation. He was joined by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, several former heads of state, and governors from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Also present were dignitaries from Niger, Chad, Ghana, and Sudan, as well as representatives of the African Union (AU), ECOWAS, and the United Nations. In a somber tribute, President Tinubu described Buhari as “a towering patriot and disciplined leader who served Nigeria with unwavering dedication.” “We are here today not just to bury a former president, but to honor a statesman who dedicated his life to this country’s unity and integrity,” Tinubu said. Security was tight throughout Daura, with thousands of mourners lining the streets to pay their last respects to a man affectionately known as “Baba Mai Gaskiya” — meaning “Man of Truth” in Hausa. Buhari, who ruled Nigeria first as a military leader from 1983 to 1985 and then as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, left behind a legacy marked by anti-corruption efforts, security reforms, and a commitment to national cohesion. His burial marks the end of an era in Nigeria’s post-independence political history, as tributes continue to pour in from global leaders and institutions.

KATSINA, NIGERIA – July 15, 2025President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Katsina State to receive the body of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, at the age of 82 in a London hospital after a prolonged illness. The presidential jet carrying Tinubu landed at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport at 1:45 p.m., where he was welcomed by Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda, several state governors, senior federal officials, traditional rulers, and top security chiefs. Tinubu’s arrival formally kicks off the state burial ceremonies for the late leader, whose remains are to be laid to rest later Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic traditions. Earlier in the day, First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu also arrived in Katsina to join the Buhari family and other dignitaries for the solemn occasion. Thousands of mourners, including political allies, royal figures, and ordinary Nigerians, have gathered in Katsina and Daura to pay their last respects to the man fondly called Baba Mai Gaskiya — Hausa for “Man of Truth.” Security has been significantly increased in the region, with heightened presence around key areas in anticipation of large crowds. Buhari, who first led Nigeria as military head of state from 1983 to 1985 before returning as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, is remembered for his austere lifestyle, strong anti-corruption drive, and commitment to national unity and security. In a tribute following the announcement of Buhari’s death, President Tinubu described his predecessor as “a patriot, a soldier, and a statesman who dedicated his life to the unity and progress of Nigeria.” Buhari’s interment in Daura will mark the end of a pivotal chapter in Nigeria’s political history, as condolences continue to pour in from world leaders and international institutions.

LONDON/DAURA — The remains of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari have departed London aboard a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft, en route to his hometown of Daura in Katsina State, ahead of his state burial scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Bashir Ahmad, a former media aide to Buhari, confirmed the development in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle early Tuesday. The late president’s body is accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and other senior government officials. Buhari passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at approximately 4:30 p.m. in a London hospital after a prolonged, undisclosed illness. He was 82 years old. In honour of the former leader, the Federal Government declared Tuesday a public holiday to facilitate the state burial and allow Nigerians to pay their last respects. The late president, widely regarded for his austere lifestyle and anti-corruption stance, hailed from Daura in Nigeria’s northwestern region. He served as Nigeria’s military head of state between 1984 and 1985 and later returned to power as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. Initial plans for his body to arrive on Monday were delayed, prompting adjustments to the burial arrangements. Ahmad stated that the body is now expected to land in Katsina at noon on Tuesday, with funeral prayers scheduled for 2:00 p.m. in Daura, in accordance with Islamic rites. Buhari’s passing has drawn tributes from across Nigeria and beyond, marking the end of an era in the nation’s political history.

Washington, D.C. | July 14, 2025 U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping new arms deal for Ukraine and issued a sharp warning to Russia, threatening to impose “very severe tariffs” within 50 days if President Vladimir Putin refuses to negotiate an end to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Speaking from the White House on Monday alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump confirmed the United States would send “billions of dollars” worth of military equipment to NATO, which would then oversee its distribution to Ukraine. “In a nutshell, we’re going to make top-of-the-line weapons, and they’ll be sent to NATO,” Trump said, adding that the funding for the weapons would come from NATO member countries. Among the weapons included in the deal are Patriot air defence systems, a critical upgrade for Ukraine’s defence against near-nightly Russian missile and drone attacks. Trump, who campaigned in 2024 on a pledge to end the Russia-Ukraine war in 24 hours, expressed growing frustration over Putin’s refusal to accept a ceasefire or engage in meaningful peace talks. “If Putin doesn’t sign a peace deal, we’re going to hit them with secondary tariffs—100 percent tariffs,” Trump said. “He knows what a fair deal is.” Tensions Rise as War Grinds On The Kremlin has consistently rejected calls for an unconditional ceasefire, saying a 30-day pause would only allow Ukraine to regroup and rearm. Trump’s increasingly blunt language reflects growing U.S. impatience. Just last week, he accused Putin of feeding America “a lot of b******.” Trump also expressed exasperation with the dissonance between his diplomatic conversations with Putin and Russia’s continued military aggression. “My conversations with him are always very pleasant… Then I go home and the first lady says, ‘Oh really? Another city just got hit.’” Trump did not confirm whether long-range offensive weapons would be part of the package but said the U.S. would redeploy Patriot systems from around the world for NATO to allocate. NATO Welcomes Move NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte praised the move as a significant show of force and unity, saying: “If I were Vladimir Putin today and heard what President Trump just announced, I’d seriously reconsider my position.” Rutte confirmed the incoming weapons would include missiles, ammunition, and advanced air defences, offering a critical lifeline to Ukraine. Kyiv Responds With Cautious Optimism In Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed Trump’s support during his nightly video address, thanking the U.S. and stating that discussions were ongoing for “major defence agreements”, though he declined to give details. Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Ukraine, Rory Challands, noted that if the Patriots do arrive, they will “go a long way in protecting Ukrainian skies” from the constant bombardment of ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones. Kremlin and Russian Reaction The Russian government downplayed the development, insisting dialogue remains its priority. However, domestic sentiment in Russia appeared mixed. “There were hopes that Trump would help end the conflict,” said Al Jazeera’s Yulia Shapovalova from Moscow. “But now, pro-war sources are saying, ‘You see? Trump was never our friend.’” Behind the Shift: Mounting Pressure Analysts say Trump’s shift in tone comes after months of failed diplomatic efforts and images of Ukrainian civilian suffering shown to him by close advisers. “Trump gave Putin six months,” said Melinda Haring of the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center. “He stuck his neck out, and now he feels betrayed.” As Washington ramps up its military support, all eyes are now on Moscow’s response—whether to escalate further or come to the negotiating table.